The trend estimate for lamb slaughterings rose for the fourteenth consecutive month, to 1.6 million. This was the highest figure recorded since October 2000.

The trend estimate for cattle slaughterings fell for the fifth consecutive month, to 598,700. This was the lowest figure recorded since December 2001.

The trend estimate for lamb meat production rose for the thirteenth consecutive month, to 32,700 tonnes. This was the highest figure recorded since August 2000.

The trend estimate for beef production fell for the fifth consecutive month, to 159,800 tonnes. This was the lowest figure recorded since August 2003.

SEPTEMBER KEY FIGURES

Seasonally

Trend

LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTERED

Original

adjusted

estimate

'000

'000

'000

Cattle

604.9

562.5

598.7

Calves

133.4

65.7

65.4

Sheep

960.3

1,020.3

997.9

Lambs

1,567.0

1,596.9

1,581.8

Pigs

448.3

448.9

441.2

Seasonally

Trend

MEAT PRODUCED

Original

adjusted

estimate

tonnes

tonnes

tonnes

Beef

163,152

153,437

159,811

Veal

3,508

2,212

2,263

Mutton

20,269

20,694

20,264

Lamb

31,473

32,733

32,706

Pig meat

33,219

32,919

32,319

NOTES

INTRODUCTION

This publication presents statistics on livestock slaughterings and meat production. These statistics are based on a monthly collection from abattoirs and other major slaughtering establishments. More detailed information on this series can be obtained by contacting the ABS or by referring to the quarterly ABS publication Livestock Products, Australia(cat. no. 7215.0).

For more information about these and related statistics, contact John Moody on Hobart 03 6222 5867, or the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.